"The court will decide four separate legal questions in these appeals:

-- Key issue: Does the law overstep federal authority? This is particularly in regard to the key coverage and funding provision: an 'individual mandate' requiring most Americans to purchase health insurance or pay a financial penalty.-- Domino-effect issue: Must the entire PPACA be scrapped if that key provision is unconstitutional?-- National policy implications issue: Are states being 'coerced' by the federal government to expand their share of Medicaid costs and administration, with the risk of losing that funding if they refuse?-- Jurisdictional issue: Are the lawsuits brought by the states and other petitioners barred under the Anti-Injunction Act, and must they wait until the law goes into effect?" 03-12

President Bush states that Judge Pickering is qualified for the job for which Bush has nominated him.

"I strongly urge his confirmation." "Under our Constitution, the president has the right and responsibility to nominate qualified judges and the legislative branch has the responsibility to vote on them in a fair and timely manner." 1-03